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Tag: TechCrunch

  • OpenAI Ventures into Hardware with Potential Earbuds Device

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI, known for its AI innovations, is expanding into the hardware realm with plans to unveil its first device later this year. During an interview at Davos, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Chris Lehane, hinted at the upcoming hardware release without divulging specific details.

    Last year, OpenAI acquired Jony Ive’s startup io, suggesting a unique product vision. While the nature of the device remains a mystery, reports indicate it aims to offer a screen-free, portable alternative to smartphones.

    Rumors from Asian sources suggest OpenAI’s debut hardware could take the form of earbuds dubbed ‘Sweet Pea.’ These earbuds may feature a distinctive design and a specialized 2-nanometer processor enabling on-device AI processing, reducing reliance on cloud servers.

    OpenAI is reportedly exploring manufacturing partnerships with Luxshare in China and Foxconn in Taiwan. Initial sales targets aim at shipping 40 to 50 million units, reflecting the company’s hardware ambitions.

    With a massive user base for ChatGPT, OpenAI seeks to enhance its AI assistant’s reach and functionality through proprietary hardware, potentially offering exclusive features. However, penetrating a market dominated by products like AirPods may pose integration challenges.

    Despite past AI hardware endeavors facing mixed outcomes, OpenAI’s venture into earbuds signifies a strategic shift towards holistic control over AI device development and distribution.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • YouTube Empowers Creators with AI Likeness Feature for Shorts

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    YouTube Shorts, a popular medium on the platform, will soon allow creators to incorporate their own AI-generated likenesses into their Shorts content, according to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan. In his recent announcement, Mohan highlighted that creators will be able to produce games through text prompts, explore music options, and feature their own AI-powered likenesses within Shorts. This addition aims to enhance the user experience on YouTube Shorts by empowering creators with new tools for content creation.

    YouTube’s ongoing investment in Shorts, which currently garners an average of 200 billion daily views, showcases the platform’s commitment to evolving its content creation capabilities. The introduction of AI likeness features will complement existing AI tools for Shorts, including AI clips generation, stickers, and auto-dubbing.

    Moreover, YouTube will provide creators with tools to manage the usage of their likeness in AI-generated content, ensuring control and privacy over their digital presence. This move aligns with YouTube’s efforts to prevent unauthorized use of creators’ likenesses through the implementation of likeness-detection technology.

    As YouTube navigates the evolving landscape of AI-generated content, maintaining a high-quality viewing experience remains a top priority. By empowering creators with new tools and features, YouTube aims to foster a diverse and engaging content ecosystem while upholding content quality standards.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Unlocking the Untapped Potential of Conventional Geothermal Power

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Geothermal power, a vastly underutilized energy source, is gaining attention as Zanskar, a startup, aims to uncover the hidden potential beneath the Earth’s surface. With a recent $115 million funding boost, Zanskar is on a mission to identify geothermal resources that could revolutionize the energy landscape in the U.S. West.

    While the Department of Energy projects geothermal power could contribute up to 10% of U.S. electricity by 2050, Zanskar’s CEO believes these estimates are conservative. The company argues that traditional geothermal methods, often overshadowed by enhanced geothermal techniques, have been underestimated in their capacity to generate power.

    Conventional geothermal, which taps into naturally fractured hotspots, has long been overlooked due to outdated assumptions. Advancements in drilling technologies, however, could unlock a terawatt-scale opportunity by maximizing the output of existing systems.

    Embracing artificial intelligence, Zanskar has revived stagnant geothermal sites, including a power plant in New Mexico, and identified promising locations with significant power potential. This approach has attracted substantial investment, with a $115 million Series C funding round led by Spring Lane Capital and supported by a consortium of sustainability-focused investors.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Eternal’s CEO Transition Signals Shift in Quick Commerce Landscape

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Deepinder Goyal, the co-founder of Zomato and CEO of its parent company Eternal, has announced a significant leadership change. Goyal is stepping down from his role, passing the reins to Albinder Dhindsa, the CEO of Blinkit, Eternal’s quick-commerce division. This move comes as quick commerce gains momentum in the market.

    Goyal emphasized that he will continue to serve on Eternal’s board as vice chairman, redirecting his focus towards ‘higher-risk exploration and experimentation.’ He views this transition as an opportunity to pursue ventures that might be challenging within the confines of a publicly listed company.

    The transition reflects Goyal’s long-standing commitment to Eternal, which he considers his life’s work. Zomato, initially founded as a restaurant discovery platform in 2008, evolved into a food delivery service in 2015. Over the years, the company has made strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Uber Eats’ India operations and Blinkit (formerly Grofers).

    Notably, Blinkit has emerged as Eternal’s fastest-growing segment, with a substantial increase in net order value. The company reported robust financial performance in the third quarter, with a significant rise in profits and adjusted revenue.

    This leadership change underscores the dynamic nature of the quick commerce sector and signals Eternal’s strategic pivot to capitalize on evolving market trends.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Lemonade Unveils Specialized Insurance for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Digital insurance provider Lemonade has announced a new insurance offering tailored specifically for users of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system, known as Full Self-Driving (Supervised). The insurer claims this product will lead to a roughly 50% reduction in per-mile rates for customers.

    This innovative insurance solution represents one of the initial ventures targeting the pricing of insurance based on the performance of software systems in managing driving tasks. It signifies a potential trend where companies may explore novel business opportunities as various levels of vehicle autonomy become more prevalent.

    By collaborating with Tesla, Lemonade has gained access to previously restricted vehicle telemetry data, enabling the insurer to develop its own usage-based risk prediction models. These models will determine whether the vehicle is being operated in Full Self-Driving mode or by the driver, allowing Lemonade to adjust pricing accordingly.

    Lemonade’s ‘Autonomous Car insurance’ acknowledges that Tesla’s software does not currently achieve full autonomy, necessitating drivers to remain vigilant for manual intervention. Nonetheless, the company’s move reflects a belief in the eventual realization of Elon Musk’s vision for completely autonomous vehicles.

    The Autonomous Car insurance will debut in Arizona on January 26, with Oregon following in the subsequent month. Lemonade anticipates that as the Full Self-Driving software improves in safety, insurance prices will correspondingly decrease. The company’s existing auto insurance product covers ‘most popular cars’ in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Illinois.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • PraxisPro Leverages AI to Enhance Medical Sales Reps’ Capabilities

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    PraxisPro, a startup founded by former pharmaceutical sales representative Cam Badger, has secured a $6 million seed funding round from AlleyCorp to support its innovative approach in coaching medical sales representatives. The company focuses on offering specialized AI-powered training tailored for sales professionals in the medical field.

    Badger’s journey began in sales, where he identified a lack of consistent training and coaching for sales professionals in the healthcare industry. This observation led to the creation of PraxisPro, a platform dedicated to enhancing the communication and sales skills of life science companies, including pharmaceutical businesses and medical device startups.

    PraxisPro’s CEO, Cam Badger, emphasized the importance of effective commercial interactions in the healthcare sector. By improving sales representatives’ communication abilities, the company aims to facilitate the access of transformative therapies to patients in need.

    Established in 2023, PraxisPro recently closed a $6 million seed funding round, with AlleyCorp leading the investment. The platform utilizes small language models trained on life science data to assist sales teams in navigating complex healthcare contexts and complying with legal frameworks.

    By integrating AI agents into their platform, PraxisPro enables sales teams to practice communication skills and refine their messaging before engaging with healthcare providers. This approach not only enhances compliance but also ensures effective communication of patient needs, ultimately benefiting both sales teams and patients.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • AI Apps Surpass Games in Consumer Spending: A Shift in Mobile App Economics

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    In a significant development, consumers globally spent more on non-game mobile apps than on games in 2025, marking a notable shift in mobile app economics. According to Sensor Tower’s annual ‘State of Mobile’ report, consumers collectively invested approximately $85 billion in apps last year, indicating a substantial 21% year-over-year increase. This surge in spending, nearly 2.8 times the amount from five years ago, was primarily driven by the rising adoption of AI-powered applications.

    Generative AI emerged as a pivotal trend driving revenue growth, with in-app purchase revenue within this category surpassing $5 billion in 2025, more than tripling from previous years. The downloads of AI apps also exhibited a remarkable doubling year-over-year, reaching a total of 3.8 billion downloads.

    The popularity of AI assistants played a significant role in this surge, with the top 10 apps by downloads all being AI assistants. Leading the pack were notable names like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and DeepSeek. ChatGPT alone amassed a staggering $3.4 billion in global in-app purchase revenue, underscoring the financial potential within the AI app landscape.

    Consumers globally spent a cumulative 48 billion hours in generative AI apps in 2025, a substantial increase from previous years. Session volume also peaked, surpassing one trillion in 2025, indicating a deepening engagement from existing users. Notably, this engagement metric outpaced the growth in downloads, suggesting a strong retention and usage pattern among consumers.

    Furthermore, the competitive landscape in the AI app market intensified as tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and X ramped up their investments in AI assistants to rival ChatGPT. These companies introduced a slew of new capabilities, particularly in coding assistance, signaling a fierce competition for market dominance.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • India’s App Download Surge in 2025 Driven by AI Assistants and Microdrama Apps

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    In 2025, India witnessed a remarkable resurgence in mobile app downloads, reaching 25.5 billion, fueled by the growing popularity of AI assistants and microdrama apps. According to a recent report by Sensor Tower, India, known for its high app downloads globally, experienced a rebound in app installations, outpacing most other markets in download growth.

    The surge in app downloads in India was accompanied by increased user engagement, with the total time spent in apps rising from 1.13 trillion hours in 2024 to 1.23 trillion hours in 2025. This uptick in engagement can be attributed to the rising adoption of AI assistants and microdrama apps.

    While categories like social media and security apps saw a decline, the demand for AI assistants, microdrama apps, video editing tools, social discovery platforms, and food delivery services increased. Notably, short drama app downloads increased significantly by over 350 million, alongside a 346 million rise in AI assistant downloads, reflecting a global trend towards these technologies.

    The adoption of generative AI apps also saw a substantial increase in India, with downloads jumping from 198 million in 2024 to 602 million in 2025. This growth was further propelled by companies offering premium AI services for free to Indian users, aiming to capture a larger market share.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Amagi’s Cloud TV Software IPO Debut in India Signals Investor Interest

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Amagi Media Labs, a Bengaluru-based company specializing in cloud software for TV and streaming channel management, faced a 12% discount in its India market debut after raising ₹17.89 billion through an IPO. The shares opened at ₹318, lower than the ₹361 issue price, before rebounding. This IPO, unique in India’s consumer-dominant market, offers insights into investor sentiment towards tech listings.

    Amagi’s cloud software aids TV networks and streaming services in content distribution and monetization, with a majority of revenue sourced internationally, particularly from the U.S. and Europe. The $196 million IPO involved fresh share issues and an offer-for-sale by existing investors, attracting significant demand that exceeded available shares by over 30 times.

    Prominent shareholders like Norwest Venture Partners, Accel, and Premji Invest participated in the IPO, with Accel retaining a 10% stake post-listing, realizing gains on its earlier investments. Amagi’s CEO, Baskar Subramanian, highlighted the IPO as a milestone in the company’s ongoing journey, with founders maintaining their shareholdings.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Snap Settles Lawsuit Over Social Media Addiction Allegations

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Snap, the social media company, has reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging the company’s role in causing social media addiction. The lawsuit, filed by a 19-year-old, accused Snap of designing addictive algorithms and features that led to mental health issues. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Snap remains a defendant in other similar cases. This settlement comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, with Snap employees reportedly raising alarms about risks to teens’ well-being.

    Plaintiffs have drawn parallels between these lawsuits and past litigation against Big Tobacco, claiming that platforms like Snap, Meta, YouTube, and TikTok have hidden information about potential harms from users. Features like infinite scroll and algorithmic recommendations are alleged to have contributed to users’ struggles with depression and self-harm.

    The lawsuit against Snap marks a significant moment, as it would have been the first time a social media company faced a jury in an addiction case. With Snap settling, attention now turns to the cases against Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expected to testify. This legal battle underscores the growing scrutiny on tech platforms and their responsibility in addressing the societal impacts of their products.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Ethernovia Secures $90M to Advance ‘Physical AI’ Technology

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ethernovia, an automotive-focused company based in San Jose, has successfully raised $90 million in Series B funding to propel its Ethernet-based processors into fields like robotics, marking a significant step towards ‘physical AI.’ The company specializes in developing processors that facilitate the seamless collection of data from sensors distributed within systems, such as in autonomous vehicles, enabling rapid transfer to a central computer for analysis.

    This latest funding round, led by Maverick Silicon, an AI-focused fund established by Maverick Capital, underscores the increasing interest and investment in companies like Ethernovia that play crucial roles in the infrastructure supporting emerging technologies. Prior backers of Ethernovia include Porsche SE and Qualcomm Ventures, highlighting the industry-wide recognition of the company’s contributions to the advancement of AI-driven solutions.

    As the tech landscape evolves, with a particular focus on ‘physical AI,’ Ethernovia’s innovative approach and robust financial backing position it as a key player in shaping the future of autonomous systems and robotics. Investors are keen on supporting companies like Ethernovia, anticipating further developments and breakthroughs in the realm of AI-driven technologies.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Bolna Secures $6.3M Funding to Expand Voice AI Platform in India

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Bolna, a voice orchestration startup focused on the Indian market, has recently closed a $6.3 million seed funding round led by General Catalyst. The company, founded by Maitreya Wagh and Prateek Sachan, has been gaining traction in the voice AI space, addressing the growing demand for voice solutions in India.

    Despite initial skepticism about revenue potential from Indian enterprises, Bolna has demonstrated significant growth, with 75% of its revenue now coming from self-serve customers. The startup’s success is attributed to its approach in building an orchestration layer that integrates various AI voice technologies, addressing unique challenges in the Indian market such as noise cancellation and caller verification.

    With the fresh funding, Bolna plans to further develop its platform and expand its customer base, aiming to enhance efficiency in areas like customer support, sales, hiring, and training. The company’s ability to monetize its services has attracted investors like General Catalyst, as well as support from prominent backers including Y Combinator, Blume Ventures, and Orange Collective.

    This investment highlights the growing interest in voice AI solutions tailored for specific regional markets, emphasizing the importance of technology adaptation to local needs and preferences.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • UStrive Security Breach Exposes Personal Data of Users, Including Minors

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    UStrive, an online mentoring platform, recently experienced a security lapse that exposed the personal information of its users, including minors. The breach allowed any logged-in user to access sensitive data such as full names, email addresses, phone numbers, and other non-public details.

    According to a report by TechCrunch, the security flaw was identified by an anonymous source who discovered that user data could be accessed by examining network traffic. The breach was attributed to a vulnerable Amazon-hosted GraphQL endpoint, providing unauthorized access to a significant number of user records. The exposed information varied from user to user, with some records containing additional details like gender and date of birth.

    UStrive, formerly known as Strive for College, offers mentorship services to high school and college students through its platform. Despite fixing the issue, the nonprofit has not confirmed if affected individuals will be notified about the breach. This incident raises concerns about data privacy and security measures on online educational platforms that handle sensitive information, especially for minors.

    Following TechCrunch’s notification, UStrive’s legal representation mentioned ongoing litigation with a former software engineer, limiting the organization’s response capabilities. The exposure of private user data underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity protocols for organizations handling sensitive information.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Tesla Revives Dojo3 for Space-Based AI Computing: Musk’s Latest Announcement

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, announced the company’s revival of Dojo3, its third-generation AI chip, with a new focus on ‘space-based AI compute.’ Initially intended for self-driving model training, Dojo3 will now venture into the realm of space technology.

    Following the shutdown of the Dojo project last year, Tesla is reinvigorating its in-house chip development efforts. Musk’s strategic shift indicates a renewed commitment to custom silicon solutions, moving away from reliance on external partners like Nvidia and AMD.

    With the AI5 chip already in use for Tesla’s automated driving features, the upcoming AI6 chips, manufactured by Samsung, will further enhance Tesla vehicles and support high-performance AI training in data centers.

    Looking ahead, Musk envisions Dojo3 as a platform for ‘space-based AI compute,’ emphasizing a forward-looking approach to artificial intelligence applications beyond Earth. To realize this goal, Tesla is rebuilding its chip development team and actively recruiting skilled engineers to drive the project forward.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Netflix Revamps Mobile App with Vertical Video Feeds to Compete with Social Platforms

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Netflix is set to redesign its mobile app to align with the growing trend of social-first video consumption on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. As reported by TechCrunch, the streaming giant aims to enhance daily engagement and content discovery by incorporating vertical video feeds into its app.

    During their recent earnings call, Netflix announced the upcoming app overhaul, which will introduce a more immersive experience through short-form video features, including clips from their original shows and movies. The deeper integration of vertical video feeds, reminiscent of TikTok and Instagram Reels, is a strategic move by Netflix to capture user attention and increase in-app engagement.

    The redesign is part of Netflix’s larger strategy to evolve with the changing video landscape and is set to launch later this year. Co-CEO Greg Peters emphasized that the update will serve as a foundation for ongoing experimentation and improvement, positioning Netflix to adapt to shifting viewer preferences and behaviors.

    This shift towards a more socially engaging platform experience aligns with Netflix’s recent foray into video podcasts, aiming to rival YouTube’s dominance in the space. By debuting original video podcasts and collaborating with established players in the podcast industry, Netflix is diversifying its content offerings to appeal to a broader audience and enhance its platform’s social elements.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Anthropic CEO Raises Concerns Over U.S. Chip Export Restrictions at Davos

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei criticized the U.S. administration and chip companies for allowing the sale of Nvidia’s H200 chips to approved Chinese customers. This decision, which also involves a chip line by AMD, raised concerns as these high-performance processors are used for AI applications.

    Amodei expressed concern over the potential national security risks associated with AI models that exhibit advanced cognitive abilities. He emphasized the importance of controlling chip exports to prevent other countries from gaining a significant advantage in AI development.

    The CEO’s stance on the matter drew attention, especially because Nvidia, a major partner and investor in Anthropic, is directly involved in the chip export controversy. Amodei’s comparison of the situation to selling nuclear weapons to North Korea underscored the severity of the issue and its potential implications.

    As the discussion around chip exports continues, the tech industry awaits further developments that could impact the global AI landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • ChatGPT Introduces Age Prediction Feature to Safeguard Young Users

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI has introduced a new feature within ChatGPT aimed at safeguarding young users by predicting their age and enforcing appropriate content restrictions. The ‘age prediction’ capability comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of AI on minors.

    Recognizing the need to address potential risks associated with AI interactions for individuals under 18, OpenAI has integrated this feature to identify underage users and apply content filters to their conversations.

    Recent incidents linking ChatGPT to teenage suicides and inappropriate discussions with minors have prompted heightened scrutiny of OpenAI’s practices. In response, the company has enhanced its platform with an advanced AI algorithm that evaluates user accounts for behavioral patterns and account-level indicators to determine the user’s age.

    The ‘age prediction’ mechanism considers factors such as the user’s self-reported age, account creation date, and typical activity hours to assess the user’s age category. Upon identifying an account as belonging to an individual under 18, ChatGPT automatically enforces content filters to prevent exposure to sensitive topics.

    To rectify any misclassifications, users can undergo an account verification process by submitting a selfie to OpenAI’s partner, Persona. This additional layer of security underscores OpenAI’s commitment to fostering a safer online environment for young individuals engaging with AI-powered platforms.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Ethos Technologies Prepares for Highly Anticipated Tech IPO

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ethos Technologies, a company offering software for life insurance sales, is gearing up for its initial public offering (IPO), positioning itself to become one of the first tech companies to go public this year. Priced between $18 to $20 per share, Ethos could achieve a valuation of up to $1.26 billion, with the potential to raise significant capital for both the company and its selling shareholders.

    Backed by notable investors including Sequoia, Accel, Alphabet’s GV, Softbank, General Catalyst, and Heroic Ventures, Ethos has attracted attention for its financial performance. Despite its impressive revenue nearing $278 million and a net income of almost $46.6 million in the nine months leading to September 30, Ethos has a history of securing substantial funding rounds, with support from prominent figures like Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr., Kevin Durant, and Jay Z in its earlier stages.

    Ethos’ successful IPO could further solidify its position in the insurance tech sector and pave the way for future developments in the industry.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Concerns Raised Over Potential Misuse of Social Security Data by DOGE Members

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Court documents have revealed that members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a government agency associated with Elon Musk, may have mishandled Americans’ Social Security numbers, potentially for political purposes. According to Politico, the disclosure is part of a series of corrections related to DOGE’s access to Social Security Administration data.

    In March 2025, an advocacy group approached two DOGE team members at the Social Security Administration, requesting an analysis of state voter rolls to investigate alleged voter fraud and potentially influence election outcomes. Subsequently, one DOGE member signed a ‘Voter Data Agreement’ with the advocacy group, leading to potential access to private information that was restricted by court orders at the time. The data was reportedly shared on unauthorized servers.

    This incident underscores the importance of stringent data security measures, especially when sensitive personal information is involved. It highlights the need for robust protocols to prevent unauthorized access and misuse of data, particularly in government agencies handling critical citizen information.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Serve Robotics Expands into Healthcare with Acquisition of Hospital Assistant Robot Startup

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Serve Robotics, known for its sidewalk delivery robots, is expanding into the healthcare sector through the acquisition of Diligent Robotics, a startup specializing in hospital assistant robots. Diligent Robotics’ robot, Moxi, aids hospital staff by handling tasks such as delivering lab samples and supplies. The acquisition deal, valued at $29 million, marks Serve’s strategic move into a new industry.

    Founded in 2017 by Andrea Thomaz and Vivian Chu, Diligent Robotics has secured over $75 million in venture capital funding, with a recent $25 million investment in 2023. This acquisition aligns with Serve Robotics’ goal of adapting its technology for diverse settings beyond food delivery, emphasizing the potential for robots to function harmoniously alongside humans in various environments.

    Serve Robotics, initially incubated within Postmates and later spun off post-Uber’s acquisition of Postmates, went public in 2024. Serve’s CEO, Ali Kashani, sees the acquisition as a natural progression in the company’s evolution, as the operational synergy between Diligent’s Moxi and Serve’s focus on last-mile delivery and human-friendly robot navigation fits well with Serve’s vision.

    Source: TechCrunch